Entries with the tag: russ cohen

1) Chris Kreider - 6-3, 217 - C - It’s been a while since the New York Rangers have produced a real offensive star forward but this youngster has the goods and he has a knack for playing at his best in big games, like his World Junior Championship performance to help Team USA claim a bronze this past winter.

He was a first rounder and he should live up to the billing and then some. He has a well above-average wrist shot looks to be an important offensive tool for the Boxford, Massachusetts native and he’s terrific on the power play. He should get a real chance at making the big club next year. With all of his international experience plus college playoff dramatics including a Frozen Four win and an appearance in the outdoor game a few year’s ago he should really make a pretty big splash with the Blueshirts possibly next season. His broken jaw did affect his offense late in the season.

Will Marian Gaborik remain healthy? Who is the real captain of the Blueshirts? Will the young defense hold up?

While not all of these questions are answered, one question that should be answered with a resounding ‘Yes is “Are the Rangers a playoff team this year?”

Yes, the Blueshirts are holding on for dear life in the ever tight Eastern Conference playoff race but despite that, this year’s Rangers’ hockey team will in fact make the playoffs and may be even win a round or two. Here is why:

PH: So, we are just past the quarter pole of the NHL season. What are some of your general early thoughts?RC:I think it’s been an exciting season so far. It seems as though fighting is on the rise and fans like that and it seems like the Western Conference is stronger than the East so far.

PH: Which teams/players have surprised you the most in a good way? Why?RC:Atlanta. I had a great conversation with GM Rick Dudley at the rink. How many GM’s still scout? He’s made some shrewd moves and it’s paying off. I love Tampa as well. Steve Yzerman has injected hope into the franchise. The Red Wings are still the most impressive team in the game and that’s amazing considering the age of some of their players.

Russ Cohen, owner of the terrific Sportsology.net and one of the authors of the tremendous 100 Ranger Greats, took time out of his hectic schedule to talk about tonight’s Game 7 between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers.

PH: Did you honestly think this series would be where it is now? Why or why not? RC:No, I honestly thought when Boston had the series at 3-0 that they would finish off the Flyers in six. I give all the credit in the world to the Flyers coaching staff and players for never giving up in the face of adversity. It’s been an amazing run considering all that they have been through.

PH: What do the Bruins need to do to win tonight?RC:They need to put players with size in the crease like Milan Lucic and Blake Wheeler. They need to get these players out on the ice, Mark Recchi included when the Flyers have their rarely used third pairing defenseman out there. The top two Flyers defensive pairings are logging incredible minutes and at times were a bit weary of the Bruins dump and chase tactics. The Bruins need to figure out if their strategy is dump and chase or defense first. That coaching message seems to be lost on the players right now.

Russ Cohen, one of the authors of 100 Ranger Greats, a terrific hockey host on XM NHL Home Ice and owner of Sportsology, was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to do an e-mail interview regarding the Stanley Cup playoffs. Take it away Russ!

PH: What do you think of the Stanley Cup Playoffs up to this point?RC:They’ve been unpredictable and very exciting. Plenty of star power, plenty of upsets, and a lot of intense games that have a physical compnent with some offense mixed in.

PH: Why were the Philadelphia Flyers able to upset the New Jersey Devils in the first round?RC:Why were the Devils so disappointing when it mattered the most? The Devils defense wasn’t up to the task. The Flyers forwards had their way with them in the crease and in the corners. The Devils power play was horrendous and their main offensive players like Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk didn’t produce and Flyers goalie Brian Boucher rose to the occasion.

Many hockey writers/analysts/broadcasters try to have their hands in multiple hockey ventures whether it’s writing for multiple outlets, broadcasting both locally and nationally bringing the two worlds together.

One example of a hockey personality who has is hands in multiple hockey endevaurs is Russ Cohen. Mr. Cohen was nice enough to take time out of his hectic schedule to do an e-mail interview so read below to learn about how Cohen got into hockey, where you can find his work, his thoughts on hockey prospects and more.